Crescent Towing announced it will be adding four more 6,000 hp Z-drive tugboats to be built at Blakely BoatWorks, Mobile, Ala., over the coming four years.
Crescent Towing will take delivery of the first vessel in 2027, a second in 2028, and two more in 2029. With those deliveries Crescent’s fleet will include fifteen ASD (azimuthing stern drive) tugs across its three operating ports of New Orleans, Mobile, and Savannah. The company says it “will continue this initiative long term to further strengthen its fleet.”
The coming newbuilds will be sister vessels to Crescent’s recently delivered M/V Kentucky and M/V Angus R. Cooper II, both 92’ x 38’ wide with a draft of 19’.’ Power by twin Caterpillar 3516E tier 4 engines will producing 3,004 hp to power Kongsberg 255 fixed pitch Z-drives.
“Our ongoing new build initiative, in partnership with Blakeley BoatWorks, reflects our investment in reliability, performance, and strength of our fleet,” said Scott H. Cooper, president of Crescent Towing. “We are excited to continue this initiative long-term to further strengthen our fleet and reinforce our commitment to delivering the industry’s highest quality of service.”
“This vessel class has proven to be efficient and reliable through the exceptional performance of the Kentucky and Angus R. Cooper II,” said Keith Kettenring, Crescent’s executive vice president. “We are excited to further modernize and strengthen our fleet with four additional 92’ 6,000 hp Z-drive tugs from Blakeley BoatWorks to provide our customers with the most reliable service possible.”
The upcoming vessels will be built to ABS classification Maltese cross, A-1 towing, AMS, full ocean service, international load line, and escort class towing. The tugs, designed by Crowley Engineering Services, will have a fuel capacity of 43,846 gals. and a potable water capacity of 16,811 gals.
“Blakeley BoatWorks is proud to continue our partnership with Crescent Towing on this exceptional class of 6,000 hp tugboats,” said Swathin Kannalath, managing director of Blakeley BoatWorks. “These vessels represent the highest standards of design and performance, and we are honored to play a role in delivering quality assets that will efficiently serve their fleet for years to come.”
